Unusual daab/darv (2)

[Ian]

This one was sold recently by a German Auction House (H.H.) who labeled it as a "Myanmese dha." Again, I question that designation. Of note is a small habaki-like copper band at forte, a small disc guard and a three part hilt of ferrule/wood/ferrule. The blade is unusual too for its marked distal upwards curve and acute point.

Many years ago (on the defunct UBB forum of this site) there was a discussion of Japanese mercenaries and communities living in Thailand in the 19th C, and the observation that some Thai swords have evidence of a Japanese influence. This could be one of those.

Another possibility is a Cochin saber from Vietnam. I have an old darv with a similar habaki-like structure, but a very different hilt and blade.

There may be other Japanese-influenced possibilities. It would be interesting to hear the experience of others in this regard. I have not seen an old Burmese dha with Japanese features or with a similar blade to this one.


.